Does mindfulness meditation improve attention in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder?
V. Modesto-Lowe, Pantea Farahmand, Margaret Chaplin, L. Sarro
World Journal of Psychiatry December 22, 2015 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v5.i4.397 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Mindfulness training |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | The authors argue that because residual ADHD symptoms persist despite existing treatments, mindfulness training may help patients self-regulate attention and could serve as an adjunct to standard ADHD treatment, potentially improving attention, task completion, and occupational and social functioning. |
Abstract
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) manifests by high levels of inattention, impulsiveness and hyperactivity. ADHD starts in childhood and results in impairments that continue into adulthood. While hyperactivity declines over time, inattention and executive function difficulties persist, leading to functional deficits. Adolescents and adults with ADHD have pervasive impairment in interpersonal and family relationships. They may develop addiction, delinquent behavior and comorbid psychiatric disorders. Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, persistent residual symptoms are common, highlighting the need for novel treatment strategies. Mindfulness training, derived from Eastern meditation practices, may improve self-regulation of attention. It may also be a useful strategy to augment standard ADHD treatments and may be used as a potential tool to reduce impairments in patients with residual symptoms of ADHD. Clinically, this would manifest by an increased ability to suppress task-unrelated thoughts and distractions resulting in improved attention, completion of tasks and potential improvement in occupational and social function.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical populations | 2003 | Review | |
| Mindfulness: Theoretical Foundations and Evidence for its Salutary Effects | 2007 | Review | |
| Mindfulness Interventions | 2016 | Review | |
| Mind the Hype: A Critical Evaluation and Prescriptive Agenda for Research on Mindfulness and Meditation | 2017 | Review | |
| Mindfulness and acceptance: expanding the cognitive-behavioral tradition | 2005 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 7
- Brief Mindfulness Meditation Promotes Prosocial Driving Behaviour: Evidence From Virtual Reality. International journal of psychology : Journal international de psychologie December 1, 2025
- Chanting and meditation: an 8-week intervention to promote executive functions in school-age children. Applied neuropsychology. Child November 4, 2024
- Efectividad del mindfulness en niños y adolescentes con diagnóstico de TDAH: Una revisión sistemática LATAM Revista Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades March 6, 2023
- Convergence mechanism of mindfulness intervention in treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Clues from current evidence. World Journal of Clinical Cases September 1, 2022
- ADHD, Parental Stress, Stigma, and Mindfulness Training Advances in Medical Diagnosis, Treatment, and Care 2021
and 2 more in the library
Cites 13
- Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences October 11, 2007
- The Effectiveness of Mindfulness Training on Behavioral Problems and Attentional Functioning in Adolescents with ADHD Journal of Child and Family Studies September 21, 2011
- Greater efficiency in attentional processing related to mindfulness meditation Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology September 29, 2009
- A Comparison of Mindfulness-Based Group Training and Skills Group Training in Adults With ADHD Journal of Attention Disorders April 1, 2017
- Mindfulness Meditation Training for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Adulthood: Current Empirical Support, Treatment Overview, and Future Directions. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice May 1, 2015
and 8 more in the library